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Acute severe carbon monoxide exposure in the rat: effects of hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia on mortality, recovery, and neurologic deficit.

Human and animal studies suggest a poorer outcome in the presence of abnormal blood glucose concentration during cerebral hypoxia-ischemia. It is unknown whether this is also the case in acute severe carbon monoxide poisoning. Using Levine-prepared rats, three groups were established and exposed to CO to answer this question: (1) hyperglycemics resulting from the administration of a 50% glucose solution, (2) hypoglycemics resulting from the administration of normal saline, and (3) untreated controls. The rats inhaled 2400 ppm CO for 90 min in the absence of anesthesia. Blood glucose was raised to a mean value of 402 mg/dL just prior to CO exposure in group 1. This resulted in an increased mortality rate (i.e., 54%), and during 4 h of room air recovery an impaired ability to regain body temperature, an increased plasma lactate dehydrogenase activity, and an increased neurologic deficit as compared with group 3. Hypoglycemia, which developed during CO exposure in group 2 (mean minimum glucose after 90 min, 44 mg/dL), resulted in an increased mortality rate (i.e., 46%), and during 4 h of room air recovery an impaired ability to regain body temperature and an increased neurologic deficit as compared with group 3. Blood glucose concentration in the rats in groups 2 and 3 that died during or shortly after CO exposure was significantly depressed relative to the survivors of those groups. Plasma insulin activity was elevated during CO exposure in group 1 as compared with group 3, but fell during recovery; insulin remained low throughout CO exposure and recovery in group 2. The results demonstrate the deleterious effects of both a very high and a very low blood glucose concentration during acute CO exposure.

Animals↗

Outcome after spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma in children: case report and review of the literature.

OBJECTIVE: Spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma (SSEH) is an idiopathic accumulation of blood in the vertebral epidural space without identifiable predisposing factors. First reported in 1869, the clinical outcome in children younger than 18 years old has not been clearly delineated. DESIGN: A comprehensive review of the English language literature revealed 26 patients younger than 18 years old with reported clinical outcomes. The 27th case is presented. RESULTS: Complete neurologic recovery occurred in 14 of 27 (52%) patients, partial recovery in 12 of 27 (44%) patients, and death in 1 of 27 (4%) patients. CONCLUSION: There is an overall good prognosis for neurologic recovery in children who experience SSEH.

Adolescent↗

Clinical results after cervical laminoplasty: differences due to the duration of wearing a cervical collar.

OBJECTIVE: This investigation assessed the relationship between the duration of wearing a cervical collar and clinical results in patients undergoing laminoplasty. METHODS: Twenty-five patients with cervical myelopathy who underwent laminoplasty and wore a cervical collar for 8 weeks postoperatively were followed for an average of 27.3 months. A second group of 26 patients who underwent laminoplasty and wore a cervical collar for 4 weeks was followed for an average of 32.8 months. RESULTS: In both groups, neurologic recovery rate and range of motion on lateral cervical radiographs were longitudinally compared with those obtained preoperatively. There was no significant difference in neurologic recovery between the two groups. In patients who wore the cervical collar for 4 weeks, the total range of the cervical spine was better maintained, especially the extension range of the cervical spine, compared with that in the patients who wore the cervical collar for 8 weeks. CONCLUSIONS: It is speculated that early removal of the cervical collar prevents contracture of the facet joint and postoperative atrophy and dysfunction of the extensor musculature of the cervical spine.

Adult↗

Extrapleural anterolateral decompression in tuberculosis of the dorsal spine.

We reviewed 64 anterolateral decompressions performed on 63 patients with tuberculosis of the dorsal spine (D1 to L1). The mean age of the patients was 35 years (9 to 73) with no gender preponderance. All patients had severe paraplegia (two cases grade III, 61 cases grade IV). The mean number of vertebral bodies affected was 2.6; the mean pre-treatment kyphosis was 24.8 degrees (7 to 84). An average of 2.9 ribs were removed in the course of 64 procedures. The mean time taken at surgery was 2.45 hours when two ribs were removed and 3.15 hours when three ribs were removed. Twelve patients (19%) showed signs of neurological recovery within seven days, 33 patients (52%) within one month and 12 patients (19%) after two months; but six patients (10%) showed no neurological recovery. Forty patients were followed up for more than two years. In 34 (85%) of these patients there was no significant change in the kyphotic deformity; two patients (5%) showed an increase of more than 20 degrees.

Adolescent↗

Effect of propentofylline (HWA 285) on metabolic and functional recovery in the spinal cord after ischemia.

The effect of propentofylline on metabolic and functional recovery in the spinal cord after ischemia and reperfusion was investigated. Ischemia was induced by abdominal aorta ligation below the left renal artery for 20 or 30 min. Propentofylline (1, 5, 10 and 20 mg/kg) was administered intravenously, immediately after reperfusion and the animals recovered for 4 days. Propentofylline at a dose of 1 mg/kg and 5 mg/kg had only a slight effect on energy metabolism recovery in the spinal cord and neurological recovery of hindlimbs. However, almost complete recovery of adenine nucleotides, lactate and glucose occurred after 20 min of ischemia in the animals treated with 10 or 20 mg/kg propentofylline. Partial metabolic recovery occurred even after 30 min of ischemia and 20 mg/kg propentofylline. The recovery of energy metabolism correlated closely with the recovery of neurological functions after ischemia and 4 days of survival.

Analysis of Variance↗

Management of cervical spinal cord trauma in Southern California.

Acute cervical spinal cord injuries were reviewed in 356 patients treated by the neurosurgical community in Southern California. Neurological recovery was compared in operated and nonoperated patients with complete and incomplete cervical myelopathies. The complications of nonsurgical and surgical therapy are identified. No neurological improvement was noted in any patient with a complete lesion who underwent early surgical decompression. In those with incomplete sensorimotor paralysis, it was difficult to document any effect of surgical decompression on neurological recovery. Patients with some degree of sensory preservation had a similar incidence of motor recovery in both surgical and nonsurgical groups. With complete sensorimotor paralysis, anterior cervical fusion within the first week of injury was associated with increased pulmonary morbidity.

Adolescent↗

A case of congenital intraspinal neuroblastoma.

A case of congenital intraspinal neuroblastoma with paraplegia in a newborn is described, and a review of previously reported cases is presented. Calcification within the spinal canal and abdominal mass was noted. At age 75 days, the patient underwent a resection of almost the entire retroperitonial tumor. A magnetic resonance scan showed hepatic metastasis, and chemotherapy was changed to a more intensive regimen. The liver metastasis disappeared; however, neurological signs persisted. A literature review of 38 cases showed 26 patients had a laminectomy and 12 patients did not. Treatment with or without laminectomy was associated with a poor prognosis for neurological recovery, suggesting cord compression must occur antenatally, and irreversible damage occurs before birth. Congenital intraspinal neuroblastoma has a relatively good prognosis (survival rate, 91.9%), although complete neurological recovery is highly unusual. Based on these findings, the authors conclude that a laminectomy is not indicated for those patients.

Calcinosis↗

Secondary injury mechanisms in acute spinal cord injury.

Experimental studies in animal spinal cord injury models suggest that preservation of a relatively small number of spinal axons can support neurological recovery. The second National Acute Spinal Cord Injury Study (NASCIS 2) was the first clinical trial to demonstrate that a treatment given after injury can enhance neurological recovery. In this trial, patients treated with high-dose methylprednisolone within 8 hours of spinal cord injury recovered more sensory and motor function than did those treated with placebo. In addition to demonstrating the first effective pharmacological intervention in central nervous system injury, NASCIS 2 identified several critical issues that must be investigated in future preclinical and clinical research. These include drug dose, initiation time, and duration of treatment, as well as combination therapy and injury severity. Addressing these issues systematically will require more reproducible animal models and more accurate outcome measures.

Animals↗

Thrombolytic therapy after cardiac arrest and its effect on neurological outcome.

OBJECTIVE: the aim of the study is to investigate the effect of thrombolytic therapy on neurological outcome in patients after cardiac arrest due to acute myocardial infarction. Laboratory investigations have demonstrated that thrombolytic therapy after cardiopulmonary resuscitation improves neurological function. METHODS: from July 1991 to June 1996, patients with witnessed ventricular fibrillation cardiac arrest due to acute MI and successful restoration of spontaneous circulation admitted to the emergency department were analyzed retrospectively. A logistic regression model was used to assess the association between thrombolytic therapy and neurological outcome [best cerebral performance category (CPC) within 6 months after cardiac arrest]. RESULTS: all 157 patients [median age 57 years (IQR 50-69)] were analyzed. Thrombolytic therapy was applied in 42 patients (27%). With thrombolytic therapy good functional neurological recovery (CPC 1 or 2) was achieved more frequently (69 vs. 50%, P=0.03). After controlling for age, prehospital dosage of epinephrine, and the duration of cardiac arrest we found a non significant trend towards good neurological recovery when thrombolytic therapy was given (OR 1.9, 95% CI 0.8-4.6). CONCLUSION: thrombolytic therapy after cardiac arrest due to acute myocardial infarction is associated with improved neurological outcome.

Aged↗

Neurological outcome after surgery for thoracolumbar fractures. A retrospective study of 93 consecutive cases, treated with dorsal instrumentation.

Surgical reconstruction and fusion form the treatment of choice for unstable thoracolumbar fractures. It remains difficult, however, to prove that surgical treatment provides an increased potential for neurological recovery. Also, the role of a decompressive laminectomy is still unclear. To address these issues, 93 consecutive cases of thoracolumbar fractures treated with dorsal instrumentation were reviewed. The neurological status at the time of admission and at a mean of 26 months postinjury was graded according to a modified Frankel scale. By using preoperative radiographs and computed tomography scans, we differentiated between fracture-dislocation lesions, dislocation lesions, flexion-distraction lesions, complete and incomplete burst fractures. Spinal stenosis was classified from grade 0 (no stenosis) to grade 3 (> 66% stenosis). All thoracolumbar fractures were treated with posterior instrumentation, using Dick's fixateur interne and Steffee's VSP plates and screws. During this procedure, laminectomy was performed in 33 patients (35%). In 17 cases (52% of the laminectomies), a surgically treatable lesion (dural tear, trapped nerve root, etc.) was found, especially in patients with a combination of a neurological deficit and a dislocation lesion, a fracture-dislocation lesion or a complete burst fracture with spinal stenosis grade 2 or 3. The neurological and functional outcome was excellent: none of the patients deteriorated, 68% made a complete neurological recovery, and 61% regained their previous level of activity.

Adult↗

A randomized, controlled trial of methylprednisolone or naloxone in the treatment of acute spinal-cord injury. Results of the Second National Acute Spinal Cord Injury Study.

Studies in animals indicate that methylprednisolone and naloxone are both potentially beneficial in acute spinal-cord injury, but whether any treatment is clinically effective remains uncertain. We evaluated the efficacy and safety of methylprednisolone and naloxone in a multicenter randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in patients with acute spinal-cord injury, 95 percent of whom were treated within 14 hours of injury. Methylprednisolone was given to 162 patients as a bolus of 30 mg per kilogram of body weight, followed by infusion at 5.4 mg per kilogram per hour for 23 hours. Naloxone was given to 154 patients as a bolus of 5.4 mg per kilogram, followed by infusion at 4.0 mg per kilogram per hour for 23 hours. Placebos were given to 171 patients by bolus and infusion. Motor and sensory functions were assessed by systematic neurological examination on admission and six weeks and six months after injury. After six months the patients who were treated with methylprednisolone within eight hours of their injury had significant improvement as compared with those given placebo in motor function (neurologic change scores of 16.0 and 11.2, respectively; P = 0.03) and sensation to pinprick (change scores of 11.4 and 6.6; P = 0.02) and touch (change scores, 8.9 and 4.3; P = 0.03). Benefit from methylprednisolone was seen in patients whose injuries were initially evaluated as neurologically complete, as well as in those believed to have incomplete lesions. The patients treated with naloxone, or with methylprednisolone more than eight hours after their injury, did not differ in their neurologic outcomes from those given placebo. Mortality and major morbidity were similar in all three groups. We conclude that in patients with acute spinal-cord injury, treatment with methylprednisolone in the dose used in this study improves neurologic recovery when the medication is given in the first eight hours. We also conclude that treatment with naloxone in the dose used in this study does not improve neurologic recovery after acute spinal-cord injury.

Acute Disease↗

Interlaminar bony fusion after cervical laminoplasty: its characteristics and relationship with clinical results.

STUDY DESIGN: A radiographic study in 32 patients with cervical myelopathy. OBJECTIVE: To investigate postoperative interlaminar bony fusion, and its characteristics and relationship to clinical results in patients undergoing laminoplasty. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Laminoplasty is being increasingly performed for multi-segmental cervical myelopathy, and its superior long-term results have been reported in some articles. We often see cases that develop postoperative interlaminar bony fusion after laminoplasty. METHODS: In 32 patients, lateral cervical radiographs were obtained every year after surgery, and postoperative interlaminar bony fusion was evaluated. Range of motion (ROM) of the cervical spine at last follow-up was compared with the respective preoperative values. Furthermore, the neurologic recovery rates at last follow-up were compared to preoperative values. RESULTS: Postoperative interlaminar bony fusion was shown in 17 patients (53%, group 1), and in most, fusion appeared within 3 years after surgery. Average age at surgery in group 1 and the remaining 15 patients (group 2) was 64.6 years and 57.0 years, respectively (P < 0.04). Preoperative and postoperative ranges of motion in group 1 were 45.6 degrees and 28.1 degrees on average, respectively. However, those of group 2 were 50.3 degrees and 39.8 degrees on average, respectively. Postoperative ROM in group 2 was significantly better maintained than that in group 1(P < 0.04). In group 1, the average preoperative Japanese Orthopedic Association score was 9.56 points, which improved to 13.6 points at the final follow-up, providing a 55.6% average recovery. In group 2, it was 10.9 points, which improved to 14.1 points at the final follow-up, providing a 56.5% average recovery. There was no significant difference in the average percentage of recovery between the 2 groups (P > 0.93). CONCLUSIONS: Postoperative interlaminar bony fusion occurred in 53% of patients, with marked frequency at C2/3 after laminoplasty. It did not influence neurologic recovery, but it did reduce the postoperative sagittal ROM of the cervical spine.

Aged↗

Postoperative evaluation of microsurgical resection for cavernous malformations of the brainstem.

OBJECT: The aim of this study was to propose criteria to determine whether complete resection of cavernous malformations in the brainstem had been achieved. METHODS: The authors retrospectively analyzed data in 10 patients harboring a single cavernous malformation who had presented with hemorrhagic symptoms and had been followed up for longer than 2 years postsurgery. The study population consisted of five male and five female patients ranging in age from 13 to 57 years (mean 36.8 years). When preoperative magnetic resonance (MR) images demonstrated the lesion as a homogeneous hyperintense mass, the surgery was defined as complete or incomplete based on intraoperative findings. When preoperative MR images revealed other findings, complete resection was determined according to whether postoperative MR imaging results demonstrated lesions distinct from the peripheral hemosiderin rim. Among the 13 operations in this series, nine resulted in complete resection and were associated with no postoperative clinical relapse of hemorrhage, whereas four operations resulted in incomplete resection and were correlated with postoperative recurrent hemorrhage. The seven patients in whom the outcome of the initial operation was complete demonstrated good neurological recovery in the long-term follow-up period, whereas the three patients in whom the outcome of the initial surgery was judged to be incomplete showed inadequate neurological recovery due to recurrent hemorrhage. CONCLUSIONS: The criteria proposed in this study to evaluate surgical treatment may be a reliable means of predicting the recurrence of hemorrhage postoperatively.

Adolescent↗

[Spinal epidural hematomas. Prognostic factors in a series of 22 cases and a proposal for management].

INTRODUCTION: Spontaneous and non-spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma (SEH) is a rare condition in neurosurgical practice. It presents as an acute spinal cord compression and usually requires emergent surgical decompression. Recently non-surgical treatment (corticoid therapy) has been proposed in selected cases of SEH with good neurological recovery. OBJECTIVES: To identify the prognostic factors of this condition. A treatment management based upon our results is proposed. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between 1985 and 2001, 22 patients suffering SEH were treated at our Department. Age, sex, initial neurological condition (evaluated using the Frankel grading scale), surgical timing, radiological data such as location, extension and degree of radiological cord compression, anticoagulation or antiplatelet therapy, epidural anesthesia and previous spinal surgery were analyzed in order to find prognostic factors. Finally, conservative or surgical treatment as well as final neurological condition were also considered for the analysis. RESULTS: The average age was 69 years with a male preponderance (72.7%). Surgical decompression was done in 17 cases, most of them (11 cases) presenting with high neurological deficit (Frankel A-B). Conservative treatment was used on 5 patients. Operated patients showed a larger degree of neurological recovery. The incidence of post-operative complications was of 13%. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows the efficiency of SEH surgical evacuation performed within the first 24 hours, particularly when the patient presents a severe neurological deficit (Frankel A-B). Patients presenting minimal neurological involvement (Frankel D-E) can be managed successfully with conservative treatment.

Adult↗

Free radicals in CNS injury.

This chapter has reviewed the current state of knowledge regarding the occurrence and possible role of oxygen radical generation and lipid peroxidation in experimental models of acute CNS injury. Although much work remains, four criteria that are logically required to establish the pathophysiological importance of oxygen radical reactions have been met, at least in part. First of all, oxygen radical generation and lipid peroxidation appear to be early biochemical events subsequent to CNS trauma. Second, a growing body of direct or circumstantial evidence suggests that oxygen radical formation and lipid peroxidation are linked to pathophysiological processes such as hypoperfusion, edema, axonal conduction failure, failure of energy metabolism, and anterograde (wallerian) degeneration. Third, there is a striking similarity between the pathology of blunt mechanical injury to CNS tissue and that produced by chemical induction of peroxidative injury. Fourth, and most convincing, is the repeated observation that compounds that inhibit lipid peroxidation or scavenge oxygen radicals can block posttraumatic pathophysiology and promote functional recovery and survival in experimental studies. Nevertheless, the significance of oxygen radicals and lipid peroxidation ultimately depends on whether it can be demonstrated that early application of effective antifree radical or antiperoxidative agents can promote survival and neurological recovery after CNS injury and stroke in humans. The results of the NASCIS II clinical trial, which have shown that an antioxidant dosing regimen with methylprednisolone begun within 8 hr after spinal cord injury can significantly enhance chronic neurological recovery, strongly supports the significance of lipid peroxidation as a posttraumatic degenerative mechanism. However, ongoing Phase III trials with the more selective and effective antioxidant U74006F (tirilazad mesylate) will give a more clear-cut answer as to the therapeutic importance of inhibition of posttraumatic free radical reactions in the injured CNS.

Animals↗

Neuropharmacological therapy and motor recovery after stroke.

The concept of pharmacological intervention for recovery from brain injury is by no means new. However, most rehabilitation physicians still do not incorporate it into their practice. Over the past several years, scientific evidence has begun to reveal that certain medications can limit the extent of cerebral damage and others have the capacity to influence neurological recovery. Rehabilitation medicine emerged in the military out of a desperate need to rehabilitate injured soldiers as quickly and efficiently as possible. Although casualties are much less common in today's post-Cold War military, the need for expeditious neurorehabilitation still remains because of the growing military retired population. In keeping with this view, this paper begins by reviewing the neurobiological basis of spontaneous recovery after cerebral injury. It continues with a discussion about the pharmacological basis of motor recovery after stroke, and concludes by presenting some clinical guidelines useful in helping to expedite as well as maximize neurological recovery.

Amphetamine↗

Medical-surgical treatment of progressive tuberculous (Pott's) paraplegia in Gabon.

The present study deals with the results of the medical-surgical treatment of 22 patients with Pott's tetraplegia or paraplegia. Seventeen had progressive tetraplegia-paraplegia which failed to respond solely to medical treatment. On admission, four patients exhibited an acute onset tetraplegia-paraplegia, and one had a 'spinal tumour syndrome'. In addition to antituberculous therapy, seven patients had anterior spinal surgery, consisting of four corporectomies, two anterior debridments and grafting, and one debridment alone. Moreover, one patient had a posterior interbody fusion, four had laminotomies, and 10 had laminectomies. The causes of the spinal cord or cauda equina compression, as was determined at operation, were extradural abscess in eight patients, bony compressions in 11, arachnoiditis in two, and posterior neural arch tuberculosis in one patient. Neurological recovery began between 10 and 21 days postoperatively. The mean length of follow-up was 42.36 months (range 8-144 months). Fourteen patients were found to be functionally and neurologically normal at follow-up examinations (63%). Eighty-two percent recovered sufficiently to walk unaided. Two patients were left paralysed and unable to walk. Two patients were able to get about on crutches. The onset of objective improvement soon after surgical decompression suggests a causal effect. It was concluded that early neural decompression and spinal stabilisation provided the maximum potential for neurological recovery.

Adult↗

Comparison of the revised 2000 American Spinal Injury Association classification standards with the 1996 guidelines.

OBJECTIVE: This study was undertaken to determine the level of agreement between the most recent change in the American Spinal Injury Association International Standards (2000) and the previous (1996) classification. DESIGN: In a spinal cord injury rehabilitation hospital, data were collected on 94 subjects who had an initial neurologic examination according to the International Standards within 1 wk of injury and again at 1 yr. Comparisons were examined of the level of agreement between the 1996 and 2000 revisions in classification of the motor incomplete levels and ability to prognosticate outcome at 1 yr on the basis of the initial examination. RESULTS: Near perfect agreement between the 1996 and 2000 revised guidelines in the classification of motor incomplete injuries was found, with no statistically significant difference for prognosticating neurologic recovery at 1 yr on the basis of the initial examination. CONCLUSION: The 2000 revisions do not offer a significant difference in American Spinal Injury Association impairment classification or in predicting neurologic recovery at 1 yr.

Female↗